For The Smart Shoppers

Author: bazaarcart

Olive oil becomes most famous all over the world due to its countless health benefits. It obtains from the olive fruit. Besides a leading kitchen ingredient, it claims to deliver you many health positives. Olive oil benefits are just because of its high nutritional value that is vital for your healthy body. It carries hydrating squalene, antioxidants, and anti-aging qualities that help you to take care of your health. Therefore, you can use olive oil for your face, skin, hairs and all over health. Here are some universal benefits that should be in your knowledge.

1. Prevent wrinkles: People use olive oil for skin from old ages to get an attractive skin. Olive oil is loaded with anti-aging and anti-oxidant polyphenol qualities. Therefore, it encourages the elasticity of your blood vessels and leads you to get a younger look. Permanent use of olive oil ward off premature wrinkles and anti-aging effect and delivers you taunt and fresh skin.

2. Natural sunscreen: One of the most amazing olive oil benefits is that it protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Thus, it reduces the risk of skin cancer and proffers you a healthy complexion. Besides, it cuts down the extra fat of your body due to its low-calorie nature.

3. Remove dead skin cells: Olive oil for skin sounds astonishing just because of its favorable impacts. It diminishes the dead skin cells and promotes newer one. Hence, it gives you a young and fresh skin lying underneath. Alternatively, it makes you feel smelling sexy, soft and sloppy all the time.

4. Enhance skin tone and fair complexion: Using olive oil for face improves the skin tone to a great extent. It lightens your skin tone and enhances the appearance of your skin. Olive oil benefits are for infants too. You can opt regular massage to improve their complexion and make their skin soft and supple.

5. Natural moisturizer: Olive oil for skin acts as a potent natural moisturizer and prevents your skin from being dull and rough. It makes your skin to be able to hold water and restricts the fast process of evaporation of water from the skin. Thus, it makes you experience hydrated, smooth and, soft skin for longer.

6. Improve skin elasticity: A consistent use of the extra virgin formulation of olive oil encourages the elasticity of your skin because of the least quantity of processing in this oil. Thus, people use olive oil for the skin on a regular basis and obtains its positive benefits. Bue to olive oil benefits it is used in most of the cosmetic or beauty products.

7. Olive oil for hairs textures: Olive oil improves the textures of your hairs and helps you to get rid of limp and brittle hairs. It is enriched with vitamin E as well as anti-oxidants that hands in stimulating your hairs. It makes them softens, strengthens, and dandruff free.

8. Prevent hair fall: olive oil is packed with lots of essential nutrients and fulfills the needs of your hairs. It dramatically nourishes your hairs and scalp profoundly and roots them strictly to mitigate the concern of natural hair fall. Thus, it is highly recommended to use olive oil for hairs to get healthy, shiny and long hairs rapidly.

Who doesn’t love desi ghee? The goodness of desi ghee on hot paranthas or a bowl of gajar ka halwa can make anyone drool! When people visit Rajasthan, a generous amount of ghee is served with the traditional dishes. Ah! For the love of ghee, you must have a large container of this yummy ingredient in your kitchen.
Ghee is often deemed as the ingredient which creates an obstacle in our weight loss journey! It is a myth that ghee makes us fat. Pure ghee is beneficial for your health in a number of ways. If you have it in the right proportion, it could be very healthy for you. You may wish to know the benefits of this super food! Before going through the benefits, you must take a look at how it is made and what it really is!

What is Desi Ghee?

Desi ghee is basically known as clarified butter. It is made with cow or buffalo milk. It was invented thousands of years ago and has innumerable health benefits. In order to make clarified butter, one needs to heat fresh cream and let the milk solids separate. You will get glistening ghee after the milk solids have separated. You get a nutty, brown, yummy and aromatic substance at the end!
Since we live in a competitive and fast-paced world, it is difficult to make fresh clarified butter. The good news is that you can buy it from a store. The key is to buy authentic and good quality clarified butter. You can also opt for organic ghee which is excellent for your health!

The Benefits of Desi Ghee

There are innumerable desi ghee benefits and they are listed below. Take a quick look!
• Clarified butter or ghee is free from lactose and salt. If people have lactose intolerance, they can consume clarified butter. There will be no side effects.
• Pure ghee is easy to digest. In fact it stimulates the digestive process. Most people believe that it causes weight gain but since it is easy to digest, it can help you to lose weight.
• It boosts the function of your brain.
• The ingredient is rich in vitamins! It includes Vitamin A, D, E and K. This promotes brain and bone health.
• You would be happy to know that by consuming ghee, it helps in lowering cholesterol level. It helps to increase the secretion of biliary lipids.
• The ingredient has a high smoke point. It is better than ghee on multiple levels.
• It helps in reducing inflammation. It creates an alkaline system which reduces inflammation.
• The ingredient helps in strengthening your bones. This is due to the presence of Vitamin K.

How to enjoy the nutty and smoky flavour of ghee?

If you wish to enjoy the flavour of ghee, you must eat dishes like ghee rice or pour the clarified butter on hot paranthas. Ghee rice has 168 calories and you can enjoy it with bottle-guard curd raita. Most people enjoy sweet dishes with lots of ghee. It takes the flavour to the next level!
Making fresh ghee at home can be a difficult task but you can find ready-made products in the market. Always buy the best quality pure ghee!

When we talk about dieting or seeing a nutritionist, the first thing that comes to mind is weight. It is assumed that a person who’s fat or has a big belly only has to diet or exercise in order to reduce it. But the truth is that everyone must exercise and eat right in order to stay healthy, no matter the weight. You may be thin but not healthy, so focus on staying healthy. Many of the diseases we face are associated with the stomach. So eating right is more important than you think. It can prevent heart disease; help your liver live longer etc.

Here is a list of ways or tips to help you make your diet healthy.

Remove a few heavily processed staples

Instead of cutting down all your processed foods at once, avoid eating oil and soda in the beginning which would result in a huge difference.

Replace white breads

As you know, white breads are the ones made from maida and its regular consumption is harmful, so instead try whole wheat or multi grain breads which in turn are healthy.

Check your portion while eating (per serving)

The calorie count matters but the most common mistake one ends up doing is consuming more of the less calorie products in order to have a fuller stomach. So, to avoid this little mistake, check the portion of the serving especially when you visit restaurants.

Excessive clean eating can be harmful

Excess of everything is bad, and so is eating clean all the time. In order to keep a balance, one must follow a 80-20 pattern where one must allow himself/herself to indulge in satiating tasty delicacies once in a while. No need to be guilty of your cheat mealsany more.

Variety on plate

We have all read it in our school days that eating a variety of foods is the best way of staying healthy, a balanced diet for health benefits. And this includes a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Sleep for right no. Of hours

It is researched that the no. of sleeping hours matter to not just the functioning of your body but also to the physical appearance. The ones who sleep for good 7-8 hours daily are leaner than the ones who do not get enough sleep.

Staying healthy is a choice. Though the minor changes can be difficult in the beginning, soon your body will adjust to it and the results will keep you motivated.

The arrival of a baby in every household marks a special joyous occasion for it is stepping into a new and a different world. Parenting is a full-time job. A little newborn’s care is of utmost importance as it is the basic foundation of a child’s growth and for first timers and soon to be parents, it is scary. And if you are reading this, there is a high probability that you belong in one of the categories. Fear of holding the baby right, understanding the cry of the baby, giving it the right environment etc. creep up initially.

But here we have listed down a few of the tips that would help you raise your baby with a little more care and caution.

Right way to hold a baby

Baby hugs are the cutest. Once you hold a baby, you don’t want to leave her/him at all. But you don’t want to hurt the child either. So, to hold a baby right, the forearm of your one hand should be under the baby’s head going on to the spine and another hand should support your first hand.

Another way of holding a baby is, rest your baby’s head and neck on one hand and put the other hander under the hip for balance.

Regular diaper change

You would have to develop a habit of checking the diaper of the baby every 3-4 hours to see if the baby hasn’t soiled the diaper. A healthy baby urinates often so to avoid rashes, change it as soon as you find out.

Regular sterilization of bottles

Washing your baby’s feeding bottles are not enough. They are prone to infections so to avoid that, make sure the bottles you feed them from are bacteria free. The easiest way to sterilize it is boiling them in water. Nowadays, there are various sterilising solutions and sterilising machines also to put in for better results.

Careful around the umbilical cord

A newborn baby has a part of umbilical cord on the navel for at least 10 days or up to 3 weeks. Special attention is needed on that part. Use powders as per doctor’s advice to dry it up and speed the healing process and also make sure to not make your baby wear tight clothes which can cause irritation and pressure on the area. With a little extra caution, it will dry soon.

Burp your baby right

Unlike elders, babies have a sensitive digestive system and to cope with that, you must burp your baby after every feed. Gentle pats on the back or moving your palm from lower to upper back are the right ways helping the baby sleep better.

Right way to bathe your baby

The scariest thing of all is to bathe a baby. Initially, there are sponge baths for newborns until the umbilical cord dries down but once it heals, a baby should get a proper bath. Make sure that you have everything ready before taking the baby for a bath. Keep holding the baby with your one hand throughout. Do not put water directly on the baby’s sensitive skin, rather keep your palm in between the mug and the baby’s skin. For convenience, you can also take some water in your palm and wet the baby’s body. Also, get different shampoos, soaps, oils etc. for your baby and do not use the same products as that of adults. Those are harsh and can harm the baby.

With these tips you will soon become a pro at taking care of your newborn baby.

If you haven’t already purchased products for your baby, choose from the wide range at www.bazaarcart.com in the best prices.

Winter might have come in Game of Thrones but it is yet to come here in India. And when it comes to Delhi, we want to make sure you keep yourself healthy to enjoy the best season of the city.

So we have brought a list of things or ways that will help you keep warm this winter.

Layers

This one is quite obvious but in order to be fashionable and all, the young lot seems a bit distracted. So, this is just to remind them that it is very important to keep the core warm and the best way is to wear layers of clothes.

Indoor exercise

Winter is a lazy season when you are least motivated to work but to keep yourself warm, one must exercise. Staying active will help the body stay warm.

Hot tub bath

There are many who skip baths in winters and dare you tolie about it. You know it and so do we. Skip this habit, not bathing. Dip in a hot tub and you’re sorted.

Healthy breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in winters, it works even better. Healthy meals at regular intervals are the best.

Hydro insulated flask

Keep a hydro insulated flask with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. This helps in better blood circulation and hence, better warmth for the body. Put in ginger or a cinnamon in the tea for whenever you feel cold.

Ear covers

They made way to the market a few years ago and were seen on every other man’s ears. They work great and one must use whenever they go outdoors.

Snuggling in the blankets

If you have the right blanket, snuggling in the winters can be most fun and distressing.

Room heaters

But if you have to work and snuggling is not an option, then for sure go for room heaters. But be careful, don’t use them for long as they tend to dry up the skin and direct contact can be harmful.

Alcohol

Now, one just needs an excuse to consume alcohol and winters give you one. Alcohol helps to keep your body warm; this is why you see most of the truck drivers drunk at night to deal with winters. Consume it in a limit and it’ll work.

Bonfires

Songs and bonfires are a great combination and your dark, gloomy winter nights will be taken care of by this. Just put up a safe fire on your roof and enjoy the light cool breeze on your face.

Among hundreds of festivals, Diwali is the biggest festival for most of the Indians. Every religion has a different story and a reason for celebrating it but the few of the common things are crackers, sweets, lights, diyas, and FOOD.

Different delicacies are made when people visit each other’s houses with Diwali gifts and various Diwali parties are held to celebrate togetherness. Diwali dinners are a way for families to bond and what better than Biryani to serve to your guests. Hyderabadi Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Veg Biryani etc. are some of the royal dish’s categories. Making biryani is an art and not everybody masters it but the beginning to it is a good biryani recipe.

So, we have brought a few of the best biryani recipes for you to try this Diwali to impress your guests.

Butter Chicken Biryani

If you are a non-vegetarian, the word ‘Butter Chicken’ is enough for you to be convinced about making this biryani. Go on! You won’t be disappointed.

Now boil the rice until 3/4th done. Check the rice by pressing a grain of rice between your thumb and index finger. The grain should not squeeze completely that’s when you stop cooking.

Now drain the rice and keep aside.

In a heavy bottom pot, add ghee and cover the base with sliced potatoes. This can be skipped this is only for the biryani to not stick to the bottom.

Now add in half of the cooked rice, now layer with fresh coriander and mint, fried onions.

Now add the cooked chicken and cream and repeat the process.

Now mix warm milk and saffron and add to the biryani.

Now use thedough to seal the top. And cover so that heat doesnot escape the pot.

Cook on a low flame for 15-20 minutes.

Remove the sealed lid and carry out the smoking process. Place a live charcoal in a bowl or a slice of onion, add 2-3 cloves and now add ghee to release smoke. Cover for 3-5 minutes to infuse the smoky flavour. Remove the lid and serve hot with curd or raita.

Instant Student Biryani

Though the name says it is for students, but it is an easy and a quicker biryani recipe than others and if you are short of time and can’t decide what to cook, this is perfect for you.

Serves:2-3

Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice

For PaneerMarination:

300 gmspaneer

½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt, to taste

For Biryani Masala:

1 tbsp refined oil

1 star anise

½ inch cinnamon piece (dalchini)

1 cardamom (elaichi)

1 clove (laung)

4-5 peppercorn (kali mirch)

1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tomato, finely chopped

½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

½ tspgaram masala

½ tsp coriander powder (dhaniya powder)

½ tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)

½ tsp red chilli powder

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp ghee

For Garnishing:

¼ cup onion (sauté onion till brown)

10-12 mint leaves

¼ cup raisins

Salt, to taste

1 tsp rose water

½ tsp cardamom powder (elaichi powder)

½ tsp nutmeg powder (jayfal powder)

1 tsp ghee

Water, to sprinkle

For Smoking:

1 magic coal

Ghee

Method:

In a bowl add paneer, and all the marination masalas and mix well.

In a pan heat oil and place whole spices, and let the flavours infuse in the oil.

In a small bowl, mix saffron (kesar), fresh cream & butter and put the mixture on the kulhad biryani.

Add some brown onions (caramelized) on top.

Cover the kulhad with wheat flour dough (atta) & brush with butter.

Bake at 180 degrees C for 15-20 mins

Once the roti on top is cooked, remove it

Serve hot!

Soya Keema Biryani

Minced tempting meat and nutritious soya’s combination will take this recipe to heights. Cook this one for your loved ones and they won’t hesitate in asking for more.

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

For Biryani Rice:

1 ½ cups basmati rice

½ tspjeera

1 bay leaf (tejpatta)

4 cloves (laung)

1 small cinnamon stick (dalchini)

2 green cardamoms (elaichi)

Salt as needed

1 tsp oil

For Biryani Gravy:

2 tbsp oil or ghee

½ tspjeera

1 small or ½ bay leaf (tejpatta)

1 star anise (biryani flower)

4 cloves (laung)

1 small stick of cinnamon (dalchini)

2 green cardamoms (elaichi)

½ cup onion thinly sliced

1 green chilli slit

1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

¾ cup soya granules

½ cup peas

1 tspchilli powder

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 tspgaram masala + 1 tsp meat masala + 1 ½ or 2 tsp biryani powder

Salt as needed

¼ cup curd or ½ cup thin coconut milk

Handful of mint leaves (pudina) and coriander leaves (dhaniya)

1 tbsp of melted ghee

Method:

Wash and soak rice as required. If using basmati rice, soak according to the instructions on the pack. Drain it to a colander.

Bring 6-8 cups of water to a rapid boil along with salt, oil, jeera, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and green cardamoms.

Add the drained rice to rapid boiling water and cook on a medium heat. You must feel the bite into the rice.

Drain this out of the rice and set aside.

To the drained hot water, you can add soya keema or chunks and leave to soak for a while. You can also use fresh boiling water to soak the soya. Squeeze off well and rinse them in fresh water a few times. Squeeze completely and set aside.

I am sure you have heard your mum telling you to sleep early, wake up early, not miss breakfast, brush twice a day etc. but obviously as you age, you tend to miss out on all of this in a rush of catching onto responsibilities. And the most ignored our dental health. That 30-second-toothpaste-squeezing brushing once a day isn’t enough for one to have a healthy mouth.

Listed down below are a fewsuggestions and ways which will help you keep your teeth and mouth fresher and better.

Avoid soda

Though Coke, Pepsi, Masala NimbuPanietc. are favourites when it comes to cold drinks, one must cut down the intake of sodas for they are bad for teeth. The acid that soda forms with bacteriaharms the enamel of teeth which is the first protective layer.

Change your brush every three months

This is probably one of the most basic things one must know.

To avoid contact with bacteria on the bristles, one must change to a new and a fresh brush every three months.

Floss

Flossing process is beneficial for removing plaque from your teeth leaving it healthy. It also reduces the chances of tartar taking over your teeth.

Tongue cleaning and mouthwash

A layer of bacteria and germs forms on our tongue after a meal. Thus tongue scraping and mouthwash every morning would kill the unnecessary bacteria in your mouth.

Oil pulling

Like the name suggests, this process pulls out bacteria from your mouth with the help of organic oils preferably refined coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. It also helps in naturally strengthening your gums and whitening your teeth. This process is to be done before brushing and needs to be followed by brushing your teeth.

Adding these habits in your brush routine would relief you from bad breath and long dentist bills. None of the habits are to be taken as a replacement to brushing as brushing twice daily remains the most basic and important step for a healthy mouth.